CSSA demands Minister Bill Blair’s Resignation

The Canadian Shooting Sports Association demands the Resignation of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

In concert with our fellow firearms organizations, the CSSA demands the resignation of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Hon. Bill Blair.

On May 1, 2020, CSSA participated in briefings with officials from Public Safety, CBSA, Global Affairs, RCMP and the Department of Justice. An examination of the new regulations showed a clear lack of understanding of the subject matter and that little care was taken in the preparation of these documents.

Officials from these departments were unable to provide a working definition of the firearms that were placed on the “banned” list and displayed a shocking ignorance of current laws. They were unable to answer simple question about how the current ban would dovetail with the prohibitions contained in Bill C-71, legislation passed eleven months ago.

Further to this, it was claimed that the Minister, Bill Blair, had ruled that the firearms contained on the list were unsuitable for sport or hunting, despite the fact the government of Canada had been providing transport permits for the “purposes of sport shooting” for well over 30 years. Many of the firearms that were claimed to be unsuitable for hunting were given exemptions for First Nation Canadians so they could continue to use them for hunting, a clear violation of Canada’s constitution.

Since all transport of the newly prohibited firearms is not permitted within the two-year amnesty period, owners of these firearms will find themself in serious legal jeopardy should they move residences.

The Canadian Shooting Sports Association feels the Prime Minister and Canadians have been poorly served by Minister Blair and call for his immediate removal from this portfolio. We also demand the immediate withdrawal of this flawed Order in Council.